Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Allegis Group

Location: Hanover, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: May 31, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with 3+ years of leadership/mentorship)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead high-impact mixed-methods UX research initiatives to drive product strategy and enhance user experience within a global talent acquisition enterprise.

• Conduct comprehensive discovery and validation studies, encompassing problem framing, concept testing, and iterative product improvement.

• Mentor and develop a team of UX researchers, fostering a culture of operational excellence and consistent research practices.

• Partner closely with Product Management, Design, Architecture, and business stakeholders to translate research insights into actionable product and business decisions.

• Influence senior leadership and cross-functional partners by effectively communicating research findings and strategic recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a large, established enterprise (Allegis Group) focused on talent acquisition solutions. The "Senior UX Researcher" title, coupled with "player-coach" responsibilities and a requirement for significant experience in "enterprise environments," indicates a strategic and leadership-oriented position. The emphasis on influencing product strategy, service design, and user experience decisions, alongside mentoring researchers, signifies a role that requires not only deep research expertise but also leadership acumen and the ability to drive operational improvements within the UX research function. This is not a typical front-line product researcher role; it demands a strategic partner who can shape the research agenda and elevate the practice.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end UX research projects across the entire product lifecycle, from initial problem framing and discovery research to concept validation, usability testing, and iterative product improvement.

• Design and execute a range of mixed-methods research studies, including in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry, surveys, journey mapping, and service blueprinting, to uncover user needs and business process dependencies.

• Synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources into clear, actionable insights, and present these findings effectively to influence product roadmaps, design decisions, and business strategies.

• Develop and maintain research plans and roadmaps that align research methodologies with business objectives, product maturity, timelines, and identified risks.

• Mentor and coach other UX researchers, providing guidance on study design, analysis, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and best practices to elevate research quality and consistency.

• Facilitate workshops and working sessions with cross-functional teams (Product, Design, Engineering, Business) to align on research findings, opportunities, risks, and strategic next steps.

• Identify and champion opportunities for operational excellence within the research function, potentially through developing templates, establishing standards, or improving research operations processes.

• Collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to ensure research is integrated early in the product development process and that insights are effectively activated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a strong emphasis on "leading complex research across problem framing, concept and solution validation, and iterative product improvement." This implies a strategic role that goes beyond executing individual studies. The responsibility to "mentor researchers," "shape research direction," and "elevate research quality, consistency, and operational excellence" suggests a leadership component, even without direct management. The expectation to "partner with Product, Design, Architecture, and business stakeholders" and "influence senior leaders" points to a critical role in shaping product strategy and ensuring user-centricity across the enterprise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., HCI, Psychology, Anthropology, Human Factors, Sociology, Cognitive Science, Information Science) or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience conducting UX research within complex digital product or enterprise environments, utilizing qualitative-leaning or mixed-methods approaches.

• 3+ years of experience leading, mentoring, or directly managing researchers or research teams.

Required Skills:

• Discovery Research: Proficient in problem framing, exploratory interviews, workflow analysis, journey mapping, and foundational research methodologies.

• Validation Research: Expertise in concept evaluation, prototype testing, usability studies, and decision-oriented evaluative research.

• Research Strategy & Prioritization: Ability to define research questions, assumptions, and decision points; develop research plans and roadmaps aligned with business goals and product maturity.

• Stakeholder Management & Executive Communication: Proven ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional partners, effectively communicate research findings, and facilitate strategic discussions.

• People Leadership & Mentorship: Experience coaching and developing researchers, overseeing work quality, setting priorities, and supporting performance and growth.

Preferred Skills:

• Mixed-Methods Expertise: Strong command of a broad set of qualitative and quantitative methods and judgment in selecting the appropriate approach based on the decision at hand.

• Enterprise Software Experience: Familiarity with the complexities and user needs within large-scale enterprise software environments, particularly in the talent acquisition or staffing industry.

• Service Design & Blueprinting: Experience in mapping service blueprints and understanding business processes and service dependencies.

• Facilitation Skills: Experience leading workshops, co-creation sessions, and cross-functional alignment discussions.

• Research Operations Improvement: Experience in improving research practice through mentorship, developing templates, establishing standards, or implementing research operations habits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Skills/Abilities" and "Additional Qualifications" sections provide a strong foundation for required and preferred skills. For a "Senior" role with "player-coach" responsibilities, the emphasis on "Research Strategy & Prioritization," "Stakeholder Management & Executive Communication," and "People Leadership & Mentorship" is critical. These skills differentiate a senior individual contributor from a purely execution-focused researcher. The preference for experience in "enterprise scale software development environments" and the "talent acquisition" industry is a significant differentiator for this specific role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record of impactful UX research.

• Include examples of research plans, detailed frameworks, insightful reports, compelling readouts, detailed journey maps, and strategic recommendations.

• Showcase end-to-end research lifecycle experience, from problem framing and planning to recruitment, moderation, analysis, synthesis, storytelling, and activation of findings.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in defining and documenting research processes, including methodology selection, participant recruitment strategies, and synthesis techniques.

• Showcase the ability to translate research findings into clear, actionable recommendations and strategic direction for product and design teams.

• Evidence of creating and utilizing templates, standards, or best practices to improve research quality, consistency, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly requested as a "portfolio requirement" in the same way as a traditional design portfolio, the mention of "A portfolio demonstrating past work experience and deliverables" is crucial. For a Senior UX Researcher, this portfolio should highlight strategic thinking, leadership in research execution, and the ability to translate complex findings into business impact. The emphasis on "influencing senior leaders" and "connecting findings to product, design, and business decisions" means the portfolio should showcase not just research outputs but also their strategic application and impact. The ability to document and improve research processes is also a key indicator of seniority and operational maturity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $102,700 - $156,200 annually.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Hospital Plans

• 401(k) Retirement Plan (with Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contribution options)

• Company-paid Basic Life Insurance and AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment)

• Voluntary Life & AD&D for employee and dependents

• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Health & Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HSA & DCFSA)

• Transportation Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Tuition Assistance

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, approximately 40 hours.

• Hybrid work arrangement requiring 2 days per week in the Hanover, MD office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($102,700 - $156,200) is typical for a Senior UX Researcher in a major metropolitan area like Baltimore/DC, considering the experience level (8+ years, with leadership). The "bonus-eligible" status is standard for senior roles. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with what a large enterprise like Allegis Group would offer, covering health, financial planning, insurance, and work-life balance initiatives. The hybrid requirement with specific office days is also clearly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Talent Acquisition & Staffing Solutions. Allegis Group is a global leader, operating through core companies like Aerotek, TEKsystems, Aston Carter, and Actalent. This industry is characterized by its focus on connecting talent with opportunities, requiring deep understanding of both candidate and client needs.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. As one of the largest talent solutions companies globally, Allegis Group has a significant operational footprint and a complex organizational structure. This scale implies a need for robust processes, cross-functional collaboration, and a focus on efficiency.

Founded: Information not explicitly provided, but Allegis Group has a long-standing history in the talent solutions industry, suggesting a mature and established organization with established processes and a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• The UX team supports a collection of enterprise platforms used by recruiters, candidates, Allegis employees, and sales teams.

• The Senior UX Researcher will work within this UX team, likely comprising other UX researchers and UX designers.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Architecture partners, business stakeholders, and senior leaders across various departments involved in the talent acquisition lifecycle.

Methodology:

• The UX team's work is focused on understanding users (employees, customers, job applicants) and business processes to inform product strategy and improve user experience.

• Research methodologies will be mixed-methods, emphasizing qualitative insights but also leveraging quantitative data for validation and strategic decision-making.

• The approach involves problem framing, concept and solution validation, and iterative product improvement to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and meet user and business needs.

Company Website: https://www.allegisgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Allegis Group's position as a global leader in talent solutions means the UX team operates within a critical business function that directly impacts revenue and client relationships. The company's emphasis on "company culture and work-life balance" alongside "innovation" suggests a dynamic environment where user-centricity is valued. The "player-coach" aspect of this role implies a strong focus on developing internal capabilities and ensuring high-quality research outputs through mentorship and process improvement, rather than just individual contribution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor with Leadership/Mentorship Responsibilities. This role is for an experienced UX researcher who can operate independently, lead complex projects, and guide junior team members. It sits at a crucial intersection of execution and strategic influence within the product development lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, the Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Lead, Director of UX, or Head of Product. They will work closely with Product Managers and UX Designers, and their insights will be presented to senior leaders, indicating cross-functional visibility.

Operations Impact: The UX research function directly impacts the effectiveness and adoption of enterprise platforms used by recruiters, candidates, and employees. By ensuring these platforms meet user needs and streamline business processes, the Senior UX Researcher contributes to:

• Improved recruiter efficiency in candidate sourcing and placement.

• Enhanced candidate experience, leading to better talent acquisition outcomes.

• Increased adoption and effectiveness of internal tools for Allegis employees.

• Stronger consultative engagement with clients by enabling sales teams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced mixed-methods research, strategic product development, and complex enterprise environments. Develop leadership and mentorship skills.

• Strategic Influence: Gain exposure to senior leadership and play a key role in shaping product strategy and user experience across a global organization.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into roles such as Lead UX Researcher, UX Research Manager, Director of UX, or Product Management, depending on individual career aspirations and performance.

• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in user research for the talent acquisition and staffing industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "player-coach" aspect of this role signifies a growth path that involves not only deepening research expertise but also developing leadership and strategic influence. The ability to "shape research strategy," "mentor researchers," and "influence senior leaders" are key indicators of potential for advancement into management or higher-level strategic roles within the UX or Product organizations. The impact on core business operations (talent acquisition) provides a strong foundation for demonstrating value and driving career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. The role requires presence in the Hanover, MD headquarters at least two days per week. This suggests a collaborative office setting designed for team interaction, workshops, and cross-functional meetings.

Office Location(s): Hanover, Maryland (Headquarters). This location is within the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, offering access to a significant talent pool and business ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, with spaces for meetings, brainstorming sessions, and focused work.

• As part of a large enterprise, access to a robust technology stack and internal support systems is expected.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with UX designers, product managers, and other key stakeholders will be available, facilitating a dynamic and integrated work experience.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week).

• The hybrid model provides flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work capabilities. Specific in-office days will likely be coordinated with the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement with 2 days in the office is a key characteristic of the work environment. This implies that while remote work is an option, the company values in-person collaboration for specific team activities, strategy sessions, and relationship-building. The Hanover, MD location is significant for candidates in the Mid-Atlantic region. The description of Allegis Group supporting "company culture and work-life balance" suggests an environment that is professional yet mindful of employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (and possibly other UX team members) to delve deeper into experience, research methodologies, leadership approach, and alignment with the role's responsibilities.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: This is a critical stage. Candidates will be expected to present their portfolio, showcasing specific research projects, methodologies, synthesis, and impact. This may involve a prepared presentation or a guided walkthrough.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially business leaders to assess collaboration skills, strategic thinking, and ability to influence diverse audiences.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and overall fit for the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Showcase research that led to tangible product improvements, strategic shifts, or significant business outcomes. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction scores).

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Highlight how you translated ambiguous problems into research questions, shaped product strategy, and identified unmet needs.

• Showcase Methodological Breadth & Depth: Include examples of diverse research methods used appropriately for different decision points. Explain why you chose specific methods.

• Emphasize Synthesis & Storytelling: Clearly articulate your synthesis process and how you distilled complex data into compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders.

• Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: If applicable, include examples of how you mentored junior researchers, improved research processes, or influenced team practices.

• Tailor to Allegis: Research Allegis Group's business, products, and target users. Frame your portfolio examples in a way that demonstrates an understanding of their industry and challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for questions about how you approach ambiguous problems, prioritize research efforts, and handle conflicting stakeholder needs.

• Practice articulating complex research findings concisely and persuasively.

• Think about how you would apply your skills to Allegis Group's specific platforms and user groups (recruiters, candidates, employees).

• Prepare specific examples of your "player-coach" experience, including how you've mentored others or improved research operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "player-coach" role and the emphasis on influencing senior leaders and shaping product strategy strongly suggest that the interview process will heavily scrutinize strategic thinking, leadership potential, and communication skills. The portfolio review will be paramount, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just research execution but also strategic application and impact. Preparation should focus on articulating the "why" behind research decisions and the "so what" of the findings.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Tools: While specific tools aren't listed, expect proficiency with standard UX research software for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo), survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey), and potentially remote usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for day-to-day communication and remote collaboration.

• Documentation & Presentation Tools: Expertise in tools like Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and potentially diagramming tools (e.g., Miro, Lucidchart) for creating research plans, reports, journey maps, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data is managed within CRMs and how research findings can inform automation strategies within product workflows would be advantageous. Familiarity with enterprise systems and their interconnectedness is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description focuses heavily on research methodologies and strategic thinking rather than specific technical tools. However, as a Senior UX Researcher in an enterprise environment, a strong command of standard UX research software, collaboration platforms, and presentation tools is implicitly required. Understanding how research integrates with product development workflows, potentially involving CRM data or automated processes, would be a valuable differentiator. The key is the ability to select and utilize the right methods and tools for the task at hand.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the needs of users (candidates, recruiters, employees) to drive product and service improvements.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing rigorous research and data analysis to inform strategic choices and mitigate risks, rather than relying solely on intuition.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with Product, Design, Architecture, and business stakeholders to ensure research insights are integrated and acted upon.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to refining research practices, elevating quality, and driving operational excellence within the UX function.

• Impact & Accountability: Focusing on delivering research that has a measurable impact on product strategy and business outcomes, and taking ownership of research initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with diverse teams to understand their needs, share insights, and collaboratively solve problems. The role emphasizes "partnering" and "aligning teams."

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to coach and develop other researchers, share best practices, and contribute to a collective learning environment.

• Strategic Alignment: Working closely with leadership and stakeholders to ensure research efforts are aligned with overarching business objectives and product roadmaps.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to research, with clear planning, execution, and synthesis phases, while remaining adaptable to evolving needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Allegis Group's stated values, including "company culture and work-life balance," combined with the "player-coach" model, suggest a culture that values both professional growth and employee well-being. For a Senior UX Researcher, embodying values like "Data-Driven Decision Making," "User-Centricity," and "Collaboration" will be key to success. The emphasis on "operational excellence" and "elevating research quality" points to a culture that appreciates systematic improvement and best practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Enterprise Complexity: Working within a large, global organization with multiple operating companies requires understanding diverse stakeholder needs, complex business processes, and established systems.

• Ambiguous Problem Spaces: Leading research in areas where problems are not well-defined, and helping teams determine what to build and why it matters, is a core challenge that requires strong problem-framing skills.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In a fast-paced enterprise environment, there will be pressure to deliver insights quickly. The challenge lies in selecting appropriate methods that balance speed with the necessary rigor for impactful decisions.

• Driving Adoption of Insights: Ensuring that research findings are not just delivered but are understood, accepted, and acted upon by product, design, and business stakeholders requires strong communication, persuasion, and relationship-building skills.

• Mentoring and Developing Others: Effectively coaching and guiding junior researchers while managing one's own strategic research responsibilities demands strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in complex mixed-methods research, service design, and strategic foresight within the talent acquisition domain.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Developing people management and coaching skills through the "player-coach" role, potentially leading to formal management positions.

• Strategic Impact: Gaining significant experience in influencing product strategy at an enterprise level, working directly with senior leadership.

• Industry Specialization: Becoming a recognized expert in UX research for the global talent solutions industry.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Deepening understanding of product management, design, engineering, and business operations within a large, matrixed organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large enterprises, particularly those focused on strategy and leadership. The growth opportunities are directly tied to the role's core responsibilities: mastering complex research, developing leadership, and driving strategic impact within a specific industry. The "player-coach" aspect is a significant growth lever for individuals looking to move into leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to frame a complex, ambiguous problem for a product team. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR-based answer focusing on problem discovery and research planning.)

• "How do you decide which research method to use when faced with tight deadlines and a need for high-impact insights?" (Discuss your approach to balancing speed and rigor, and how you communicate trade-offs.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Allegis Group and the talent acquisition industry? How do you see UX research contributing to our mission?" (Research Allegis's business, core companies, and recent news. Connect UX to their goals.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring or coaching other researchers. What is your philosophy on developing talent?" (Highlight your "player-coach" capabilities and your approach to fostering growth in others.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 projects that best showcase your diverse skills (discovery, validation, strategy, leadership) and impact. Tailor these to

Allegis's context if possible.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The Problem/Opportunity: What was the challenge or unmet need?
  • Your Approach: What methods did you use and why?
  • Your Role & Process: Your specific contributions and how you executed the research.
  • The Insights: What did you learn?
  • The Impact: How did your findings influence product strategy, design, or business outcomes? Quantify results if possible.
  • Learnings: What did you learn from the project?

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, synthesis process, and how you handled specific challenges or unexpected findings.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Emphasize how your research informed strategic decisions, not just tactical design tweaks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "player-coach" nature and the emphasis on influencing senior leadership, interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership potential, and strong communication skills. The portfolio presentation is critical and should highlight not just research execution but also the strategic application and impact of that research. Candidates should prepare to discuss how they would apply their skills to Allegis Group's specific challenges and context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided careers portal link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that highlights your most impactful UX research projects, emphasizing strategic thinking, mixed-methods expertise, and demonstrable business impact. Ensure it includes examples of research plans, synthesis, and actionable recommendations.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight 8+ years of relevant UX research experience, including specific mention of enterprise environments, mixed-methods research, and any leadership or mentorship roles. Use keywords from the job description such as "discovery research," "validation research," "stakeholder management," and "product strategy."

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method, focusing on examples that showcase your ability to frame problems, lead research, synthesize findings, and influence stakeholders. Practice your portfolio presentation, ensuring a clear narrative of problem, approach, insights, and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Allegis Group, its core operating companies (Aerotek, TEKsystems, Aston Carter, Actalent), and the talent acquisition industry. Understand their mission, values, and current challenges to articulate how your skills as a Senior UX Researcher can contribute to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.